When critics refer to this book as “sophisticated, shocking, mindblowing,” they must be referring to Faber’s entire existence within this novel.įor those who enjoy straightforward thrillers with twisty plot holes, this book is one to look at. He is a very deep and intriguing character and his storyline stretches so far that I couldn’t even keep up. This is probably what I enjoyed most about this book. There’s no heads-up as to when Michaelides will switch the timeline.Īll while trying his best to undercover Benson’s intentions of murder, Faber unveils his own compelling backstory. However, despite the book’s steady pace, it takes a while to get into the heart of the story. Even with many different plot holes yet to be solved, they all came within due time. The plot structure of this novel had me engaged right away. Differentiating which entry is from the past and which is the present altered my assumption of her character. I kept getting confused with Benson’s diary entries.
The seemingly innocent object manipulates the reader with the writing Benson bestowed inside. What started as a psychiatrist trying to uncover one’s true intentions suddenly turned into an emotionally chilling game of covering an accessory to a crime, Alicia Benson’s diary. Alcestis strangely remains mute when she is returned to him after her death. He selfishly requests that Alcestis, his wife, die in his place. The legend depicts a woman who is betrayed by her husband, Admetus.
Yet under the surface he or she may be upset at a certain situation or even brimming with anger over a perceived infraction on the part of your staff. The Greek tale is crucial to understanding why Benson is mute. The silent patient type will rarely complain and may even put on a happy face saying everything is fine. Michaelides uses the Greek Myth of “Alectis” to portray Benson’s character in this novel. The Silent Patient is called a psychological thriller, but the reviewer of Crime by the Book blog considers it an in depth character study in which both characters' identities take precedence over the actual crime. Growing up in Cyprus, Michaelides was always around Greek Mythology and its tragedies. To her dismay, Benson is convicted of the gruesome crime and has only herself and a strong-willed, stubborn psychiatrist Theo Faber to uncover her motives and solve the mystery behind the death of her husband. Michaelides has crafted a totally original, spellbinding psychological mystery so quirky, so unique that it should have its own genre.Alex Michaelides’ debut novel “The Silent Patient” is a captivating tale of painter Alicia Benson who murdered her husband six years ago and hasn’t spoken a word since. "The Silent Patient sneaks up on you like a slash of intimidating shadow on a badly lit street. "Smart, sophisticated storytelling freighted with real suspense - a very fine novel by any standard." - Lee Child I read it in a state of intense, breathless excitement." - Stephen Fry His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations-a search for the truth that threatens to consume him. Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London.
One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word.Īlicia's refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety.
#WHAT IS THE SILENT PATIENT ABOUT WINDOWS#
A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London's most desirable areas. The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman's act of violence against her husband-and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive.Īlicia Berenson's life is seemingly perfect. This program includes a bonus interview with the author. 'The perfect binge listen.' - Yahoo Lifestyle